Automated detection and securing of a network audio data stream

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a system and method for substantially automatically establishing secure communications between similar audio devices, comprising: determining that at least two of two or more audio devices in an audio distribution network are similar audio devices, wherein the similar audio devices are manufactured by the same manufacturer and share a common secure communications protocol; designating one of the at least two or more similar audio devices as the controlling audio device; and issuing communications protocols by the controlling device to the remaining similar audio device, wherein the communications protocols are secure communications protocols, and wherein communications between the similar devices from therein after use the secure communications protocols.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/282,320 filed Nov. 23, 2021, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Related subject matter is disclosed in co-pending U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/685,894, filed Mar. 3, 2022 (Crestron Docket No. CP00578-01), the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The embodiments described herein relate generally to audio systems, and more particularly to systems, methods, and modes for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system.

Background Art

Often times, users of audio systems will implement an audio system that has numerous digital signal processors, or amplifiers, among other devices, and they will inevitably communicate with each to distribute audio through an enterprise location. Such communications are typically not secure, meaning not encrypted or encoded, and in some cases, this can be problematic if the transmitted audio is a private conversation (e.g., a discussion in a corporate board meeting or some other private, sensitive matter).

There are some systems that can secure communications between devices, but such systems are clumsy, manually implemented, and oftentimes not robust and/or fool-proof.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for systems, methods, and modes for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the embodiments to substantially solve at least the problems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at least one or more of the advantages described below.

It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide systems, methods, and modes for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system that will obviate or minimize problems of the type previously described.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Further features and advantages of the aspects of the embodiments, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the aspects of the embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a method for substantially automatically establishing secure communications between similar audio devices is provided, comprising: determining that at least two of two or more audio devices in an audio distribution network are similar audio devices, wherein the similar audio devices are manufactured by the same manufacturer and share a common secure communications protocol; designating one of the at least two or more similar audio devices as the controlling audio device; and issuing communications protocols by the controlling device to the remaining similar audio device, wherein the communications protocols are secure communications protocols, and wherein communications between the similar devices from therein after use the secure communications protocols.

According to a second aspect of the embodiments, an audio distribution system is provided, comprising: at least two or more similar audio devices, wherein each of the similar audio devices are manufactured by the same manufacturer and share a common secure communications protocol, and wherein each of the at least two or more similar audio devices comprises: at least one processor; a memory operatively connected with the at least one processor, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to execute a method that comprises: determining that at least two of two or more audio devices in an audio distribution network are similar audio devices, wherein the similar audio devices are manufactured by the same manufacturer and share a common secure communications protocol; designating one of the at least two or more similar audio devices as the controlling audio device; and issuing communications protocols by the controlling device to the remaining similar audio device, wherein the communications protocols are secure communications protocols, and wherein communications between the similar devices from therein after use the secure communications protocols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the following figures. Different aspects of the embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the aspects of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an audio system that can substantially automatically implement secure and robust communications between audio devices in an audio distribution system according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system shown in FIG. 1 according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the major components of a personal computer (PC), server, laptop, personal electronic device (PED), personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet (e.g., iPad), or any other computer/processor (herein after, “processing device”) suitable for use to implement the method shown in FIG. 2 , for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system shown in FIG. 1 according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a network system within which the system and method for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system shown in FIG. 1 according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed partial view of the audio distribution system shown in FIG. 1 according to aspects of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appended claims. The detailed description that follows is written from the point of view of a control systems company, so it is to be understood that generally the concepts discussed herein are applicable to various subsystems and not limited to only a particular controlled device or class of devices, such as audio networks, but can be used in virtually any type of audio playback system.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The different aspects of the embodiments described herein pertain to the context of systems, methods, and modes for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system, but is not limited thereto, except as may be set forth expressly in the appended claims.

For 40 years Crestron Electronics Inc., has been the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses. Crestron designs, manufactures, and offers for sale integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems. In addition, the devices and systems offered by Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life in commercial buildings, universities, hotels, hospitals, and homes, among other locations. Accordingly, the systems, methods, and modes described herein can improve audio systems as discussed below.

The systems, methods, and modes described herein substantially automatically implement secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio distribution system.

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations, specific embodiments, or examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

While some embodiments will be described in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an application program that runs on an operating system on a personal computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that aspects may also be implemented in combination with other program modules.

The following is a list of the elements of the figures in numerical order:

-   100 Audio Playback Network (APB NW) -   102 Network -   104 Cloud Based Digital Steaming Audio Sources -   106 Analog Audio Source -   108 Digital Audio Sources -   110 Digital Signal Processor -   112 Microprocessor -   114 Memory -   116 Synchronized Controller Application (Synch App) -   117 Audio Processing (AP) Application(s) (Apps) -   118 Third Party Audio Processing Device (3P Device) -   120 Processing Device -   200 Method for method for Substantially Automatically Implementing     Secure and Robust Communications Between Audio Devices within and     Audio Distribution System -   202-210 Steps of Method 200 -   304 Microprocessor Internal Memory -   306 Computer Operating System (OS) -   308 Internal Data/Command Bus (Bus) -   312 Read-Only Memory (ROM) -   314 Random Access Memory (RAM) -   316 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) -   318 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) -   320 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port -   322 Ethernet Port -   324 Video Graphics Array (VGA) Port or High Definition Multimedia     Interface (HDMI) -   326 Compact Disk (CD)/Digital Video Disk (DVD) Read/Write (RW)     (CD/DVD/RW) Drive -   328 Floppy Diskette Drive (FDD) -   330 Integrated Display/Touchscreen (Laptop/Tablet etc.) -   332 Wi-Fi Transceiver -   334 BlueTooth (BT) Transceiver -   336 Near Field Communications (NFC) Transceiver -   338 Third Generation (3G), Fourth Generation (4G), Fifth Generation     (5G), Long Term Evolution (LTE) (3G/4G/5G/LTE) Cellular Transceiver -   340 Communications Satellite/Global Positioning System (Satellite)     Transceiver -   342 Mouse -   344 Scanner/Printer/Fax Machine -   346 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Cable -   348 High Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) Cable -   350 Ethernet Cable (CATS) -   352 External Memory Storage Device -   354 Flash Drive Memory -   356 CD/DVD Diskettes -   358 Floppy Diskettes -   360 Keyboard -   362 External Display/Touchscreen -   364 Antenna -   366 Shell/Box -   402 Modulator/Demodulator (Modem) -   404 Wireless Router -   406 Internet Service Provider (ISP) -   408 Server/Switch/Router -   410 Internet -   412 Cellular Service Provider -   414 Cellular Telecommunications Service Tower (Cell Tower) -   416 Satellite System Control Station -   418 Global Positioning System (GPS) Station -   420 Satellite (Communications/GPS) -   422 Mobile Electronic Device (MED)/Personal Electronic Device (PED) -   424 Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) Provider -   518 Equalizer -   520 Amplifier(s) -   522 Loudspeaker(s) -   524 Microphone (Mic) -   526 Digital Input(s) -   528 Analog Input(s)

Used throughout the specification are several acronyms, the meanings of which are provided as follows:

-   3G Third Generation -   4G Fourth Generation -   5G Fifth Generation -   APB NW Audio Playback Network -   API Application Programming Interface -   App Executable Software Programming Code/Application -   ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit -   BIOS Basic Input/Output System -   BT BlueTooth -   CD Compact Disk -   CRT Cathode Ray Tube -   DVD Digital Video Disk -   EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory -   FDD Floppy Diskette Drive -   FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array -   GAN Global Area Network -   GPS Global Positioning System -   GUI Graphical User Interface -   HDD Hard Disk Drive -   HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface -   ISP Internet Service Provider -   LCD Liquid Crystal Display -   LED Light Emitting Diode Display -   LTE Long Term Evolution -   MODEM Modulator-Demodulator -   NFC Near Field Communications -   OS Operating System -   PC Personal Computer -   PED Personal Electronic Device -   POTS Plain Old Telephone Service -   PROM Programmable Read Only Memory -   RAM Random Access Memory -   ROM Read-Only Memory -   RW Read/Write -   USB Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port -   UV Ultraviolet Light -   UVPROM Ultraviolet Light Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory -   VGA Video Graphics Array

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those of skill in the art can appreciate that different aspects of the embodiments can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and comparable computing devices. Aspects of the embodiments can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Aspects of the embodiments can be implemented as a computer-implemented process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product can be a computer storage medium readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program that comprises instructions for causing a computer or computing system to perform example process(es). The computer-readable storage medium is a computer-readable memory device. The computer-readable storage medium can for example be implemented via one or more of a volatile computer memory, a non-volatile memory, a hard drive, a flash drive, a floppy disk, or a compact disk, and comparable hardware media.

Throughout this specification, the term “platform” can be a combination of software and hardware components for providing share permissions and organization of content in an application with multiple levels of organizational hierarchy. Examples of platforms include, but are not limited to, a hosted service executed over a plurality of servers, an application executed on a single computing device, and comparable systems. The term “server” generally refers to a computing device executing one or more software programs typically in a networked environment. More detail on these technologies and example operations is provided below.

A computing device, as used herein, refers to a device comprising at least a memory and one or more processors that includes a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a vehicle mount computer, or a wearable computer. A memory can be a removable or non-removable component of a computing device configured to store one or more instructions to be executed by one or more processors. A processor can be a component of a computing device coupled to a memory and configured to execute programs in conjunction with instructions stored by the memory. Actions or operations described herein may be executed on a single processor, on multiple processors (in a single machine or distributed over multiple machines), or on one or more cores of a multi-core processor. An operating system is a system configured to manage hardware and software components of a computing device that provides common services and applications. An integrated module is a component of an application or service that is integrated within the application or service such that the application or service is configured to execute the component. A computer-readable memory device is a physical computer-readable storage medium implemented via one or more of a volatile computer memory, a non-volatile memory, a hard drive, a flash drive, a floppy disk, or a compact disk, and comparable hardware media that includes instructions thereon to automatically save content to a location. A user experience can be embodied as a visual display associated with an application or service through which a user interacts with the application or service. A user action refers to an interaction between a user and a user experience of an application or a user experience provided by a service that includes one of touch input, gesture input, voice command, eye tracking, gyroscopic input, pen input, mouse input, and keyboards input. An application programming interface (API) can be a set of routines, protocols, and tools for an application or service that allow the application or service to interact or communicate with one or more other applications and services managed by separate entities.

While example implementations are described using audio networks herein, embodiments are not limited to such applications. For example, aspects of the embodiments can be employed in stand-alone audio systems, such as a room in a building that can play be audio through a dedicated system not connected to any network. Anytime there are two or more audio devices connected together, whether in or through a network or not, systems, methods, and modes of the aspects of the embodiments can substantially automatically implement secure and robust communications between similar audio devices (i.e., those manufactured by the same manufacturer, especially those manufactured by Crestron Electronics, Inc.) within the audio system.

Technical advantages exist for substantially automatically securing audio communications between two or more similar audio devices in an audio distributions network, using the aspects of the embodiments. Such technical advantages can include, but are not limited to, securing private, privileged, and/or sensitive communications between parties that can be some distances apart, and using advanced conference room audio/video distribution systems. In a substantially large audio distribution system, such as those used in courtrooms, police stations, government buildings (e.g., state/federal entities, such as the FBI, CIA, NSA, Congress, and the like), the ability to substantially automatically implement secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system is highly advantageous.

Aspects of the embodiments address a need that arises from very large scale of operations created by networked computing and cloud-based services that cannot be managed by humans. The actions/operations described herein are not a mere use of a computer, but address results of a system that is a direct consequence of software used as a service such as audio network communication services offered in conjunction with communications.

While some embodiments will be described in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an application program that runs on an operating system on a personal computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that aspects may also be implemented in combination with other program modules.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various aspects of systems, methods, and modes for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system, and which can be used in an audio network for use on or with one or more computing devices, including, according to certain aspects of the embodiments, use of the internet or other similar networks. The securing of audio communications provides a practical, technical solution to the problem of unsecured audio communications over long distances; as those of skill in the art can appreciate, the aspects of the embodiments have no “analog equivalent” as its embodiments reside solely or substantially in the physical device or computer domain. That is, substantially automatically and substantially instantaneously implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system always meant, and continues to mean, using practical, non-abstract physical devices. The technological improvement of the aspects of the embodiments resides in at least in the ability to quickly and easily substantially automatically and substantially instantaneously implement secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system using sophisticated computer hardware.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an audio system that can substantially automatically implement secure and robust communications between audio devices in an audio distribution system according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates audio playback network (APB NW) 100. APB NW 100 comprises network 102, which can be virtually any type of network, including but not limited to a local area network (LAN), global area network (GAN), the internet, among other types of networks. Accessible through network 102 are one or more cloud based digital streaming audio sources 104; the audio data output by the one or more cloud based digital streaming audio sources 104 are received by digital signal processor (DSP) 110 at digital input(s) 526. As those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, APB NW 100 can further comprise audio/video receivers and/or other devices that interface first with the one or more cloud based digital streaming audio sources 104, but in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity, such devices have been omitted from this discussion, but can be used.

Other inputs to DSP 110 can include analog sources 106 (turntables, output of conventional radio sets, and the like), which are received at analog input(s) 528, and other digital audio sources 108 (e.g., a compact disk (CD) and digital video disk (DVD) players, and the like). If the received audio data is analog, it will first be converted to a digital audio signal, so that it can be processed by DSP 110.

DSP 110 itself comprises one or more microprocessors (processors) 112, memory 114, and Synchronized Controller Application (Synch App) 116, as well as a significant amount of other software and applications that provide for audio data processing and data manipulation and user interfaces (collectively referred to as “audio processing (AP) Apps 117), all of which are known to those of skill in the art, and therefore in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity have not been discussed herein.

Attention is briefly directed to FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed partial view of APB NW 100 shown in FIG. 1 according to aspects of the embodiments. Following processing/manipulation by AP Apps 117, audio data is then sent to equalizer 518, converted to an analog signal through use of one or more digital to analog converters (DACs; not shown), and then amplified by at least one amplifier 520, prior to being broadcast by one or more loudspeakers 522. APB NW 100 further comprises equalizer 518, amplifier 520, loudspeaker 522, microphone (mic) 524, digital input 506, and analog input 508, all of which are shown in FIG. 5 .

In APB NW 100, network connected DSP 110 receives audio data through network 102 or via a separate analog input or digital input. Those of skill in the can appreciate that the audio data source can be from a legacy audio input like an RCA connector (analog input). As described above, audio can be received through network 102 from cloud based digital streaming audio sources 104, such as a Podcast from an online Podcast service. According to an aspects of the embodiments, DSP 110 receives the audio data, buffers the audio data, and then begins processing/analyzing the audio data. DSP 110 can provide numerous types of audio functions digitally, the context and details of which are beyond the scope of this discussion, and not needed to understand the aspects of the embodiments.

According to aspects of the embodiments, Synch App 116 can substantially automatically detect the presence of similar audio devices (i.e., those manufactured by Crestron Electronics, Inc. (similar devices)) that are connected to network 102, establish control over any such devices, and set up secure and robust communications between all such devices using proprietary secure communications protocols. In addition, Synch App 116 can determine whether other devices exist that are not similar (i.e., not manufactured by Crestron Electronics, Inc. (dissimilar devices))—and set up non-secure communications between them and the similar devices. According to further aspects of the embodiments, similar devices can also be audio devices that are manufactured by other manufacturers, but which have built into them, the ability to communicate using the proprietary secure communication protocols developed and provided by Crestron Electronics, Inc. Thus, a set of similar devices can include one or more audio devices manufactured by Crestron Electronics, Inc., and those manufactured by a third party manufacturer.

FIG. 1 illustrates APB NW 100 within which Synch App 116 can automatically manage and set up secure communications when similar devices (i.e., those manufactured by the same manufacturer) find and communicate with each other using a proprietary secure communication protocol according to aspects of the embodiments.

APB NW 100 can use Synch App 116 to substantially automatically manage and set up secure communications when similar devices (i.e., those manufactured by the same manufacturer) find and communicate with each other using a proprietary secure communication protocol, and if one or more dissimilar devices (those devices manufactured by a manufacturer that is not the same as the manufacturer of the similar devices) are found in APB NW 100, Synch App 116 can, according to aspects of the embodiments, set up non-secure or secure communications using different communications protocols.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, the similar devices can all be devices manufactured by Crestron Electronics, Inc., and the secure communication platform can be referred to as a DM-NAX communications platform, or protocol. According to further aspects of the embodiments, the non-secure communications protocol can be an AES67 communications protocol. Other audio-over-internet protocol secure communications protocols can be used as well.

According to aspects of the embodiments, and not to be taken in limiting manner, the Crestron DM NAX platform can secure the audio stream between Crestron devices; however, such secure communications are not limited to multiple Crestron devices according to further aspects of the embodiments; such secure communications can be implemented whenever two of the same manufacturer's devices are communicating in the same audio system. According to aspects of the embodiments, the communications can be simplified and secured by automatically converting Audio-over-IP streams to secure streams when it is within our own ecosystem (i.e., DM NAX to DM NAX products). Furthermore, aspects of the embodiments can simplify integration with third party products that are not secure by switching to the open AES67 standard when the Secure DM NAX capability is not detected on a device. According to further aspects of the embodiments, other 3P audio devices 118 can also use Secure DM NAX communications capabilities, and these can be found by Synch App 116 and included in the original communications set up.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , if DSPs 110 a,b are connected to network 102, and “discover” protocols are run (via Synch App 116, a copy of which can exist in any/all audio devices in APB NW 100), and the two devices find each other, they will begin communicating using a secure communications protocol; if the two devices happen to be Crestron devices, they two devices can use a proprietary secure communications protocol. If a third party audio device is then added (3P audio device 118 with DSPs 110 a,b), or if only DSP 110 a and 3P audio device 118 are connected to network 102, then the devices can use an open secure standard, such as AES67.

Also shown as part of FIG. 1 is processing device 120. Processing device 120 is generally a server, computer, laptop, or the like, and includes at least one display (not shown), keyboard (which can be separate or integrated into the display), mouse, and/or other devices commonly associated with known processor based devices. Processing device includes at least one processor 112, memory 114, and Synch App 116, and AP App 117. Synch App 116 (the synchronized controller application) can also include a portion that generates user interfaces such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) through which APB NW 100 can be managed.

According to aspects of the embodiments, there are at least two ways that secure communications between the similar audio devices can occur. The first is that if there is no controlling device, as described below, an audio device, such as DSP 110 a, that contains Synch App 116, can discover any and all other devices on APB NW 100 through known device discovery techniques that are used in networks using internet protocols (IP). The programs and code that perform these techniques are built into Synch App 116. Once all of the devices are found, it can then be ascertained which are similar audio devices though the use of metadata tags that are included in normal network communications (i.e., in this case, those manufactured by Crestron Electronics, Inc.), and enable one of them to be the controlling device. The controlling device then manages the audio distribution network in terms of secure communications. The controlling device can be selected by numerous means, including lowest MAC address. The controlling device can then find the similar devices, set up secure communications protocols using, e.g., Crestron's DM-NAX, which add security wrappers around ingress/egress packets of data to and from each similar device's communications to each other.

According to another aspect of the embodiments, a controlling device can be selected by a user through the GUI on processing device 120, and Synch App 116 then sets up secure communications in a substantially similar manner as described above when there is no controlling device, or one has not yet been selected.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of method 200 for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within APB NW 100 according to aspects of the embodiments. Method 200 is generally performed by Synch App 116, stored in memory 114, and executed by processor 112, the steps of storing and execution known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Method 200 begins with method step 202. In method step 202 APB NW 100 is setup—physically interconnected, and then powered up. In method step 204, the audio devices that are part of APB NW 100 begin to communicate with each other through APB NW 100, using IP communications protocols. The audio device with the lowest device becomes the controlling audio device within APB NW 100, or a user interfaces with GUIs generated by Synch App 116 in a processing device that is part of APB NW 100 and selects itself or another audio device to be the controlling audio device within APB NW 100.

In method step 206, the controlling audio devices finds other similar audio devices, i.e., those that are manufactured by the same manufacturer as itself, and in method step 208, the controlling device sets up secure communications between all of the similar audio devices, using a first secure communications protocol. According to aspects of the embodiments, the similar devices can all be manufactured by Crestron Electronics, Inc., and the first secure communications protocol can be a DM-NAX communications protocol.

In (optional) method step 210, the controlling device finds dissimilar audio devices, and established non-secure communications between the similar devices and the one or more dissimilar devices, using a third party non-secure communications protocol, such as AES67.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the major components of a personal computer (PC), server, laptop, personal electronic device (PED), personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet (e.g., iPad), or any other processing device/computer (herein after, “processing device 120”) suitable for use to implement method 200 among others, for establishing secure audio communications between similar audio devices according to aspects of the embodiments. As discussed briefly above, processing device 120 includes processor 112, with memory 114, within which was stored Synch App 116; in regard to FIG. 3 , memory 114 can take the form of microprocessor internal memory 304, hard disk drive (HDD) 318, random access memory (RAM) 314, and read only memory (ROM) 312, as described in greater detail below.

Processing device 120 comprises, among other items, a shell/box 366, integrated display/touchscreen 330 (though not used in every application of the computer), internal data/command bus (bus) 308, printed circuit board (PCB) 316, and one or more processors 112, with processor internal memory 304 (which can be typically ROM and/or RAM). Those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that in modern computer systems, parallel processing is becoming increasingly prevalent, and whereas a single processor would have been used in the past to implement many or at least several functions, it is more common currently to have a single dedicated processor for certain functions (e.g., digital signal processors) and therefore could be several processors, acting in serial and/or parallel, as required by the specific application. Processing device 120 further comprises multiple input/output ports, such as universal serial bus (USB) ports 320, Ethernet ports 322, and video graphics array (VGA) ports/high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) ports 324, among other types. Further, processing device 120 includes externally accessible drives such as compact disk (CD)/digital versatile disk (DVD) read/write (RW) (CD/DVD/RW) drive 326, and floppy diskette drive (FDD) 328 (though less used currently, some computers still include this type of interface). Processing device 120 still further includes wireless communication apparatus, such as one or more of the following: Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BlueTooth (BT) transceiver 334, near field communications (NFC) transceiver 336, third generation (3G)/fourth Generation (4G)/long term evolution (LTE)/fifth generation (5G) transceiver (cellular transceiver) 338, communications satellite/global positioning system (satellite) transceiver 340, and antenna 364.

Internal memory that is located on PCB 316 itself can comprise HDD 318 (these can include conventional magnetic storage media, but, as is becoming increasingly more prevalent, can include flash drive memory 354, among other types), ROM 312 (these can include electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROMs), ultra-violet erasable PROMs (UVPROMs), among other types), and RAM 314. Usable with USB port 320 is flash drive memory 354, and usable with CD/DVD/RW drive 326 are CD/DVD diskettes (CD/DVD) 356 (which can be both read and write-able). Usable with FDD 328 are floppy diskettes 358. External memory storage device 352 can be used to store data and programs external to processing device 120, and can itself comprise another HDD 318, flash drive memory 354, among other types of memory storage. External memory storage device 352 is connectable to processing device 120 via universal serial bus (USB) cable 346. Each of the memory storage devices, or the memory storage media (1406, 318, 312, 314, 352, 354, 356, and 358, among others), can contain parts or components, or in its entirety, executable software programming code or application that has been termed Synch App 116 according to aspects of the embodiments, which can implement part or all of the portions of method 200 among other methods not shown, described herein.

In addition to the above described components, processing device 120 also comprises keyboard 360, external display 362, printer/scanner/fax machine 344, and mouse 342 (although not technically part of the processing device 120, the peripheral components as shown in FIGS. 3 (352, 362, 360, 342, 354, 356, 358, 346, 350, 344, and 348) are adapted for use with processing device 120 that for purposes of this discussion they shall be considered as being part of the processing device 120). Other cable types that can be used with processing device 120 include RS 232, among others, not shown, that can be used for one or more of the connections between processing device 120 and the peripheral components described herein. Keyboard 360, and mouse 342 are connectable to processing device 120 via USB cable 346, and external display 362 is connectible to processing device 120 via VGA cable/HDMI cable 348. Processing device 120 is connectible to network 102 via Ethernet port 322 and Ethernet cable 350 via a router and modulator-demodulator (MODEM) and internet service provider, none of which are shown in FIG. 3 . All of the immediately aforementioned components (324, 352, 362, 360, 342, 354, 356, 358, 346, 350, and 344) are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and this description includes all known and future variants of these types of devices.

External display 362 can be any type of currently available display or presentation screen, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diode displays (LEDs), plasma displays, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), among others (including touch screen displays). In addition to the user interface mechanism such as mouse 342, processing device 120 can further include a microphone, touch pad, joystick, touch screen, voice-recognition system, among other inter-active inter-communicative devices/programs, which can be used to enter data and voice, and which all of are currently available and thus a detailed discussion thereof has been omitted in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity.

As mentioned above, processing device 120 further comprises a plurality of wireless transceiver devices, such as Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, satellite transceiver 340, and antenna 364. While each of Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, and satellite transceiver 340 has their own specialized functions, each can also be used for other types of communications, such as accessing a cellular service provider (not shown), accessing network 102 (which can include the Internet), texting, emailing, among other types of communications and data/voice transfers/exchanges, as known to those of skill in the art. Each of Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, satellite transceiver 340 includes a transmitting and receiving device, and a specialized antenna, although in some instances, one antenna can be shared by one or more of Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, and satellite transceiver 340. Alternatively, one or more of Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, and satellite transceiver 340 will have a specialized antenna, such as satellite transceiver 340 to which is electrically connected at least one antenna 364.

In addition, processing device 120 can access network 102 (of which the Internet can be part of, as shown and described in FIG. 4 below), either through a hard wired connection such as Ethernet port 322 as described above, or wirelessly via Wi-Fi transceiver 332, cellular transceiver 338 and/or satellite transceiver 340 (and their respective antennas) according to aspects of the embodiments. Processing device 120 can also be part of a larger network configuration as in a GAN (e.g., internet), which ultimately allows connection to various landlines.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, integrated display/touchscreen 330, keyboard 360, mouse 342, and external display 362 (if in the form of a touch screen), can provide a means for a user to enter commands, data, digital, and analog information into the processing device 120. Integrated and external displays 330, 362 can be used to show visual representations of acquired data, and the status of applications that can be running, among other things.

Bus 308 provides a data/command pathway for items such as: the transfer and storage of data/commands between processor 112, Wi-Fi transceiver 332, BT transceiver 334, NFC transceiver 336, cellular transceiver 338, satellite transceiver 340, integrated display 330, USB port 320, Ethernet port 322, VGA/HDMI port 324, CD/DVD/RW drive 326, FDD 328, and processor internal memory 304. Through bus 308, data can be accessed that is stored in processor internal memory 304. Processor 112 can send information for visual display to either or both of integrated and external displays 330, 362, and the user can send commands to the computer operating system (operating system (OS)) 306 that can reside in processor internal memory 304 of processor 112, or any of the other memory devices (356, 358, 318, 312, and 314).

Processing device 120, and either internal memories 304, 312, 314, and 318, or external memories 352, 354, 356 and 358, can be used to store computer code that when executed, implements method 200, as well as other methods not shown and discussed, for substantially automatically establishing secure communications between similar audio devices, according to aspects of the embodiments. Hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof can be used to perform the various steps and operations described herein. According to aspects of the embodiments, Synch App 116 for carrying out the above discussed steps can be stored and distributed on multi-media storage devices such as devices 318, 312, 314, 354, 356 and/or 358 (described above) or other form of media capable of portably storing information. Storage media 354, 356 and/or 358 can be inserted into, and read by devices such as USB port 320, CD/DVD/RW drive 326, and FDD 328, respectively.

As also will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the various functional aspects of the aspects of the embodiments can be embodied in a wireless communication device, a telecommunication network, or as a method or in a computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of embodiments can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment combining hardware and software aspects. Further, the aspects of embodiments can take the form of a computer program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions embodied in the medium. Any suitable computer-readable medium can be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices such a floppy disk or magnetic tape. Other non-limiting examples of computer-readable media include flash-type memories or other known types of memories.

Further, those of ordinary skill in the art in the field of the aspects of the embodiments can appreciate that such functionality can be designed into various types of circuitry, including, but not limited to field programmable gate array structures (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuitry (ASICs), microprocessor based systems, among other types. A detailed discussion of the various types of physical circuit implementations does not substantively aid in an understanding of the aspects of the embodiments, and as such has been omitted for the dual purposes of brevity and clarity. However, the systems and methods discussed herein can be implemented as discussed and can further include programmable devices.

Such programmable devices and/or other types of circuitry as previously discussed can include a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. The system bus can be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Furthermore, various types of computer readable media can be used to store programmable instructions. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the processing unit. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media can comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile as well as removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROMs, DVDs or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information, and which can be accessed by the processing unit. Communication media can embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and can include any suitable information delivery media.

The system memory can include computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as ROM and/or RAM. A basic input/output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements connected to and between the processor, such as during start-up, can be stored in memory. The memory can also contain data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by the processing unit. By way of non-limiting example, the memory can also include an operating system, application programs, other program modules, and program data.

The processor can also include other removable/non-removable and volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. For example, the processor can access a hard disk drive that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk drive that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk, such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM and the like. A hard disk drive can be connected to the system bus through a non-removable memory interface such as an interface, and a magnetic disk drive or optical disk drive can be connected to the system bus by a removable memory interface, such as an interface.

Aspects of the embodiments discussed herein can also be embodied as computer-readable codes on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can include a computer-readable recording medium and a computer-readable transmission medium. The computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROMs and generally optical data storage devices, magnetic tapes, flash drives, and floppy disks. The computer-readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The computer-readable transmission medium can transmit carrier waves or signals (e.g., wired, or wireless data transmission through the Internet). Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments to, when implemented in suitable electronic hardware, accomplish or support exercising certain elements of the appended claims can be readily construed by programmers skilled in the art to which the aspects of the embodiments pertains.

The disclosed aspects of the embodiments provide a system and method for substantially automatically establishing secure communications between similar audio devices, according to aspects of the embodiments, on one or more computers or processing devices 120. It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit aspects of the embodiments. On the contrary, aspects of the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the aspects of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the aspects of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed aspects of the embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various aspects of the embodiments can be practiced without such specific details.

FIG. 4 illustrates network system 102 within which the system and method for substantially automatically establishing secure communications between similar audio devices, according to aspects of the embodiments. Much of the infrastructure of network system 102 shown in FIG. 4 is or should be known to those of skill in the art, so, in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity and brevity, a detailed discussion thereof shall be omitted.

According to aspects of the embodiments, a user of the above described system and method can store Synch App 116 on their processing device 120 as well as mobile electronic device (MED)/PED 422 (hereon in referred to as “PEDs 422). PEDs 422 can include, but are not limited to, so-called smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook and laptop computers, and essentially any device that can access the internet and/or cellular phone service or can facilitate transfer of the same type of data in either a wired or wireless manner.

PED 422 can access cellular service provider 412, either through a wireless connection (cell tower 414) or via a wireless/wired interconnection (a “Wi-Fi” system that comprises, e.g., modem 402, wireless router 404, internet service provider (ISP) 406, and internet 410 (although not shown, those of skill in the art can appreciate that internet 410 comprises various different types of communications cables, servers/routers/switches 408, and the like, wherein data/software/applications of all types is stored in memory within or attached to servers or other processor based electronic devices, including, for example, Synch App 116 within a computer/server that can be accessed by a user of Synch App 116 on their PED 422 and/or processing device 120). As those of skill in the art can further appreciate, internet 410 can include access to “cloud” computing service(s) and devices, wherein the cloud refers to the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, without direct active management by the user. Large clouds often have functions distributed over multiple locations, each location being a data center.

Further, PED 422 can include NFC, “Wi-Fi,” and Bluetooth (BT) communications capabilities as well, all of which are known to those of skill in the art. To that end, network system 102 further includes, as many homes (and businesses) do, one or more computers or processing devices 120 that can be connected to wireless router 404 via a wired connection (e.g., modem 402) or via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth). Modem 402 can be connected to ISP 406 to provide internet-based communications in the appropriate format to end users (e.g., processing device 120), and which takes signals from the end users and forwards them to ISP 406.

PEDs 422 can also access global positioning system (GPS) satellite 420, which is controlled by GPS station 418, to obtain positioning information (which can be useful for different aspects of the embodiments), or PEDs 422 can obtain positioning information via cellular service provider 412 using cellular tower(s) (cell tower) 414 according to one or more methods of position determination. Some PEDs 422 can also access communication satellites 420 and their respective satellite communication systems control stations 416 (the satellite in FIG. 4 is shown common to both communications and GPS functions) for near-universal communications capabilities, albeit at a much higher cost than convention “terrestrial” cellular services. PEDs 422 can also obtain positioning information when near or internal to a building (or arena/stadium) through the use of one or more of NFC/BT devices. FIG. 4 also illustrates other components of network 102 such as plain old telephone service (POTS) provider 424.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, and as described above, network 102 also contains other types of servers/devices that can include processing device 120, wherein one or more processors, using currently available technology, such as memory, data and instruction buses, and other electronic devices, can store and implement code that can implement the system and method for substantially automatically establishing secure communications between similar audio devices, according to aspects of the embodiments.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, additional features and functions of inventive embodiments are described herein below, wherein such descriptions are to be viewed in light of the above noted detailed embodiments as understood by those skilled in the art.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, additional features and functions of inventive embodiments are described herein below, wherein such descriptions are to be viewed in light of the above noted detailed embodiments as understood by those skilled in the art.

As described above, an encoding process is discussed specifically in reference to FIGS. 2 , although such delineation is not meant to be, and should not be taken in a limiting manner, as additional methods according to aspects of the embodiments have been described herein. The encoding processes as described are not meant to limit the aspects of the embodiments, or to suggest that the aspects of the embodiments should be implemented following the encoding processes. The purpose of the encoding processes as described is to facilitate the understanding of one or more aspects of the embodiments and to provide the reader with one or many possible implementations of the processed discussed herein. FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of various steps performed during the encoding process, but such encoding processes are not limited thereto. The steps of FIG. 2 are not intended to completely describe the encoding processes but only to illustrate some of the aspects discussed above.

This application may contain material that is subject to copyright, mask work, and/or other intellectual property protection. The respective owners of such intellectual property have no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the disclosure by anyone as it appears in published Patent Office file/records, but otherwise reserve all rights.

It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.

Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments are described being in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone, without the other features and elements of the embodiments, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.

This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus, the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items.

All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, and publications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

To solve the aforementioned problems, the aspects of the embodiments are directed towards systems, methods, and modes for substantially automatically implementing secure and robust communications between audio devices within the audio system.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the different aspects of the embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for substantially automatically establishing secure communications between similar audio devices, comprising: determining that at least two of two or more audio devices in an audio distribution network are similar audio devices, wherein the similar audio devices are manufactured by the same manufacturer and share a common secure communications protocol; designating one of the at least two or more similar audio devices as the controlling audio device; and issuing communications protocols by the controlling device to the remaining similar audio device, wherein the communications protocols are secure communications protocols, and wherein communications between the similar devices from therein after use the secure communications protocols.
 2. An audio distribution system, comprising: at least two or more similar audio devices, wherein each of the similar audio devices are manufactured by the same manufacturer and share a common secure communications protocol, and wherein each of the at least two or more similar audio devices comprises: at least one processor; a memory operatively connected with the at least one processor, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to execute a method that comprises: determining that at least two of two or more audio devices in an audio distribution network are similar audio devices, wherein the similar audio devices are manufactured by the same manufacturer and share a common secure communications protocol; designating one of the at least two or more similar audio devices as the controlling audio device; and issuing communications protocols by the controlling device to the remaining similar audio device, wherein the communications protocols are secure communications protocols, and wherein communications between the similar devices from therein after use the secure communications protocols. 